advice on engine cleaning - <christstyles> or anyone

[Infamous]

hey,

i know christyles does auto detailing, just wondering, what would be the best way to clean an engine bay. anything to not do to unkink hoses etc?? also i have a CAI so i'm worried about that too. since i don't wanna get that wet.. i am still quite hesistant to putting a hose to the engine for some reason.

any suggestions? thanks guys

[christyles]

hey,

i know christyles does auto detailing, just wondering, what would be the best way to clean an engine bay. anything to not do to unkink hoses etc?? also i have a CAI so i'm worried about that too. since i don't wanna get that wet.. i am still quite hesistant to putting a hose to the engine for some reason.

any suggestions? thanks guys
Cover anything electrically exposed. Be very careful if you have Halo setup.
Don't disconnect anything.
What CAI do you have? If Dinan, cover the opening with foil. If Gruppe M, just cover off the mouth of the air scoop so water doesnt get in.

Get a wash mitt or wash brush, some car wash soap and lightly brush at the engine cover, windshield washer container, use a rag to wipe off excess ATF off the TF cover. And hose away.
Use pressure washer and shoot downwards, tip of the nozzle should be approx. 3ft away from the engine. Wipe down excess water with rag.
Do not shoot at cooling fan in front of engine.

Hope this helps. If you still lack the confidence, give me a call. I do a basic engine bay wash at $30. For showroom engine bay is $60.

Good luck.

**Disclaimer. I or Premier Auto Detailing is not responsible for any damage done to your vehicle. Apply process at your own risk.

[Infamous]

great thanks a lot... just wanna clean my engine when spring rolls around..

also though, i have a pressure washer, but that was my main concern about spraying into the bay, as i didn't wanna break/dislodge anything...

also, do you know where the xenon ballasts are located off the top of your head?

also, should you cover up the dip stick for the oil?

[audiophilia]

An invaluable e46fanatics thread (http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=7086&page=1&pp=20&highlight=engine+clean)

bon chance! I clean my once a month from April to October

[christyles]

great thanks a lot... just wanna clean my engine when spring rolls around..

also though, i have a pressure washer, but that was my main concern about spraying into the bay, as i didn't wanna break/dislodge anything...

also, do you know where the xenon ballasts are located off the top of your head?

also, should you cover up the dip stick for the oil?
You won't break or dislodge anything as long as you don't hold to close too long on a fragile part. But for the most part, everything is solid under the hood.

Xenon ballasts if I'm not mistaken are covered with a rubber seal. I'd have to take a peak again under the hood. I don't have Xenons but any connections around the lighting I cover regardless.

Dip stick is not required to be covered as you won't be holding the water at that one location long enough for water to seep in. Remember, lightly spray the engine, scrub it with car wash soap then pressur wash it in passing motions. Passing motions prevents excess water seeping into unwanted areas.

[Amit]

An invaluable e46fanatics thread (http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=7086&page=1&pp=20&highlight=engine+clean)

bon chance! I clean my once a month from April to October


That method totally works !! Did it on my e36 and it looks amazing.
e46 is next once out of warranty :)

[Slke46]

Watch out for your alternator, i usually wrap that thing up real good...